King Louis XIV

The Sun King

King Louis XIV

The Sun King

Biography:

Louis the XIV was born on September 5th, 1638. He took the throne when he was five, and reigned from 1643 until his death on September 1st, 1715. He was a descendant of the Bourbon family.

Louis XIV's family tree

France During the King's Reign

Louis XIV wanted to be in complete control of France. He has been quoted to say "L'etat C'est Moi." In English, this translates to "I am the state". To accomplish this, he put into action the Policies of Richelieu, which successfully expanded bureaucracy, while appointing Intendants: royal officials who collected taxes from the people of France, recruited soldiers for its army, and then made sure the policy was carried out in other provinces.

France in 1667

Some of Louis' Achievements

Built the Versailles Palace

Versailles Palace

Built Strong French Army

French soldiers winning a battle

Expanded Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy in France

Built the Versailles Palace

Versailles Palace

Built Strong French Army

French soldiers winning a battle

Expanded Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy in France

Made France the supreme country of Europe

Map of land taken by Louis XIV and other kings of France

More on Louis XIV

The king formed France during his rule, and some of his accomplishments still affect France today. He put much time into the arts and gave them new life in France. Fashion was also beginning to become more important during Louis' reign. It was not long until fashion became the staple of France, especially Paris. However, he was a strict Catholic, and rejected all Protestants. In doing so, he also revoked the Edict of Nantes. The edict was supposed to allow the Protestants in the country, but Louis did not care. This edict included several Huguenots living in France at the time. They were forced to either convert, or leave the country.